Category: Algemeen

Software developed at SRON in the 1990s for explanatory calculations in space research has proved to be of enduring value to the wider scientific community. The method, based on the mathematical work of the 18th-century mathematician Thomas Bayes, is now also an essential component of the software for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

Thijs de Graauw (10 March 1942 – 20 April 2026) was a leading figure in submillimeter and infrared astronomy and a pioneer in heterodyne technology. De Graauw led the development of the ISO-SWS and Herschel-HIFI instruments at SRON in Groningen.

Over fifty girls from two secondary schools were introduced to space research at Kapteyn & SRON in Groningen and SRON in Leiden as part of VHTO Girls’ Day. They took part in workshops on soldering and analysing satellite data, and learnt about telescopes and the Universe.

The Dutch and French space research organisations – SRON and CNES – have signed a letter of intent to strengthen their collaboration in areas of common interest. These include earth observation, astrophysics, planetology and technology for space instrumentation. The signing is part of the visit of the Dutch King and Queen to Toulouse within the framework of the Dutch-French Economic Year. Aerospace is identified as one of the common strategic sectors within the bilateral Pact for Innovation and Sustainable Growth.

The Netherlands joins the countries that endorse the values and principles in the Artemis Accords drawn up by NASA. Director of the Dutch space agency NSO, Harm van de Wetering, therefore put his signature to the document this morning in Washington, in the presence of NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, the Dutch Ambassador Birgitta Tazelaar and Michael Wise as director of SRON—the national expertise institute which advises the Dutch government and coordinates national contributions to international space missions.

Dr. Michael Wise is appointed as professor by special appointment of Observational High-Energy Astrophysics, in particular Black Hole Feedback, at the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). The chair was established on behalf of the Stichting Het Jan van Paradijs Fonds. Wise will combine the professorship by special appointment with his work as the general and scientific director of SRON, the Netherlands Institute for Space Research.

In the afternoon of May 27th, Prof. Kees de Jager has passed away at the age of 100 in his place of birth Den Burg, Texel. As a pioneer of Dutch space research he co-founded one of the predecessors of SRON and as a prominent astronomer he led the Sonnenborgh observatory for a long time. De Jager continued to publish scientific articles and popularize science until just before his death.

SRON-director Michael Wise will be appointed as vice-chair of ESA’s Science Programme Committee for the upcoming two years. The science programme, to which every ESA member state contributes, is one of the biggest ESA programmes with an annual budget of 538 million euros.